A No-Bashing Thread: What I like and dislike about each candidate

[FDRLincoln]

I came out as a Clark supporter last night. But I was thinking about our group of candidates this morning, and I decided to list what I like about each one, and what I see as their main weaknesses (but without bashing). Feel free to do the same. Assessing our strengths and weaknesses before a battle is key to victory.

Dean: POSITIVE: I like his fearlessness about taking on the right. I trust his intentions and desire to make this a better country. I like his fiscal conservatism. NEGATIVE: lack of foreign policy experience makes him easy for the GOP to smear. I agree with his position in gay rights, but again it's easy for the GOP to use against him in the south.

Kerry: POSITIVE: I agree with most of his congressional votes. He is very intelligent, informed, and reasonably articulate. I like his military record. I think he'd make an excellent president. NEGATIVE: Too stiff sometimes, easy for the GOP to Gore-ize. Sometimes is too mealy-mouthed and political. I don't think he's the best campaigner.

Edwards: POSITIVE: He has a track record of standing up for the little guy. Understand the plight of the lower and middle classes. Telegenic. NEGATIVE: Comes across as a lightweight sometimes.

Gephardt: POSITIVE: Dedicated public servant with extensive experience in policy matters. Understands the plight of the little guy. Would make a solid president. NEGATIVE: Not exactly someone with fresh ideas. Sometimes lacks passion, although that's been changing lately.

Graham: POSITIVE: Solid, substantive guy with excellent foreign policy credentials. Would make an excellent president. NEGATIVE: does not inspire passion. Looks tired. Like Gep, doesn't have a lot of fresh ideas.

Kucinich: POSITIVE: passionate. Understands the plight of the lower and middle class. Idealistic and inspirational. NEGATIVE: too far to the left for my personal tastes. Not pragmatic enough.

Lieberman: POSITIVE: well, there's got to be something. Let's see. Uh, he's smarter than Bush. Also, he's strong on the environment. I do think he means well. . .I'm not as cynical about his motives as most. NEGATIVE: too far to the right for my taste. Bush Lite.

Moseley Braun: POSITIVE: Excellent and articulate speaker. Defends her positions with alacrity. NEGATIVE: too much baggage to win. Would make an excellent ambassador or cabinet secretary though.

Sharpton: POSITIVE: The Democratic version of Alan Keyes. NEGATIVE: The Democratic version of Alan Keyes.

Clark: POSITIVE: terrific resume. Articulate and intelligent. Wide range of executive experience in military and NATO. Understands that 2004 is not a normal election. Takes the long-term view. Bulletproof on patriotism. Appeals to both left and center. NEGATIVE: No experience with political campaigns. May have trouble with money and organization. Military background turns off far left.



Overall, I think Clark has the best package of skills and talents, assuming he runs. What do you think?

[wtmusic]

1. Let's see how long it lasts

without a bash!!

5...4...3...2...

[buddhamama]

2. positive on Lieberman

he has proposed some decent enviromental policies and reforms.

[FDRLincoln]

3. good point

Good point...Lieberman is an environmentalist. I will modify the original post.

[K-W]

4. Good Post

Thats the kind of Candidate discussion we need.

[LittleApple81]

5. Agree. Thanks for doing it. n/t